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Routine Laboratory and Immunocytochemistry Assistant
Band 3
Main area Central Clinical Services Grade Band 3 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 279-7123804-APR25
Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Royal Sussex County Hospital Town Brighton Salary £24,625 - £25,674 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 06/05/2025 23:59 Interview date 28/04/2025
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Job overview
The Cellular Pathology laboratory at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton is looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated laboratory assistant to join our busy team.
The post holder will be responsible for specimen data entry, assisting the medical and scientific staff during specimen dissection and routine machine maintenance. They will also regularly rotate into the Immunocytochemistry and molecular department.
The successful applicant must be conscientious and enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team and under pressure. Good hand-eye coordination, good keyboard skills and attention to detail are essential requirements.
Relevant experience would be an advantage but full training will be provided.
Candidates looking for a Trainee Biomedical Scientist position or a progressional career post need not apply.
Previous applicants need not apply
This is a full-time position with working hours of Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for entering specimens onto the laboratory information system and for preparing samples for Cytology/Histology diagnosis. They will be required to assist at specimen dissection and perform routine machine maintenance in the cut-up and main lab areas.
The post holder will regularly rotate into the Immunocytochemistry department where they will be responsible for machine maintenance and reagent exchange, removal of waste reagents from the laboratory, data input of Immunocytochemistry requests and the sign out of completed cases.
Whilst working in the Immunocytochemistry department the post holder will be responsible for coordinating the molecular aspect of the service between the department and the Southeast Genomics Laboratory hub.
The post holder will also be required to perform the collation, send away and documentation of material to other hospitals and external organisations for second opinion, research, or external reporting.
This position will be based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, working and the post-holder will be held accountable to the HR policies and procedures of UHSx.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work-life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Follows standard operating procedures at all times.
* Participates in data entry for Cellular pathology samples.
* Participates in sample preparation.
* Understand the urgency of requests; prioritising work according to SOP’s.
* Checks samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic investigations, referring to a BMS when necessary.
* Prepare specimens, making decisions from a range of options on the type of process to be used e.g. fixation, wet preparations, referral to another area of Pathology if appropriate.
* Assist the Consultant Pathologist, Registrar or BMS at the specimen dissection bench, recording details and check specimen details.
* Undertake routine maintenance and troubleshooting on complex equipment to ensure correct functioning.
* Assist in the Immunocytochemistry department, responsible for machine maintenance and reagent exchange.
* Responsible for coordinating the molecular aspect of the service between the department and the Southeast Genomics Laboratory hub.
* Perform the collation, send away and documentation of material to other hospitals and external organisations.
Person specification
Qualifications
* GCSE grade C or above in English and maths.
* NVQ3 or equivalent.
Experience
* Evidence within the application of the transferable skills they can bring to the role.
* Evidence of robust IT skills such as data inputting, Word, Excel.
* Previous pathology laboratory experience.
* Previous experience of working in an NHS environment.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
Please note, the use of AI generated applications will be closely monitored. It is at the manager's discretion to reject your application if they feel the majority has been created through the use of AI tools.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigration eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Application numbers
This advert has been capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, it will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in this post to prevent you from missing out on applying for this opportunity.
Name Joanne Martin Job title Lead BMS Cellular Pathology Email address joanne.gray15@nhs.net Telephone number 01273 067421 Additional information
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Please contact Joanne Martin (joanne.gray15@nhs.net) or Simon Heath (simon.heath2@nhs.net) for further information or to arrange an informal visit.
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